OOps, what did I do wrong?

[David Torrey]

Sounds like it could be the idle control valve.  My dealer Audi mechanic
told me this is probably the cause.  I would try taking it apart and
cleaning it with carb cleaner.  There is a piston inside that travels back
and forth (that's what my Audi dealer says). My engine is doing the same
thing at random times.  The idle will rebound before almost stalling.  The
check engine light will come on and the idle is rough.  If I turn off engine
and restart, the idle is smooth and the check engine light is now off.  Sure
would be nice to have the software that Ross - Technology is now marketing
to read codes.  Their web site says it only works on 94 or later models,
however.

Regards
David

> Message: 12
> Date: Sun, 20 Aug 2000 01:55:10 -0400
> From: EEP <epotter at abraxis.com>
> Reply-To: epotter at abraxis.com
> To: Quattro List <quattro at audifans.com>
> Subject: Oops, what did I do?
>
> This morning I replaced (on my '93 90, V6) my head gaskets, lifters,
> valley pan gasket, oil check valves, intake/exhaust manifold gaskets,
> more gaskets, timing belt, water pump, lots o' pulleys, and probably
> some more stuff that I'm forgetting.  As far as I know I did stuff
> right, but evidently not because I'm having a weird problem that acts
> just like the engine is losing compression -- I start it, it purrs like
> a kitten for about 2 seconds, struggles for about 2 more, then dies.  I
> double checked all of the plugs and hoses, and they all appear to be
> correct.  I checked the compression and got this:
>
> 3: 130psi 6: 140psi
> 2: 150psi 5: 150psi
> 1: 130psi 4: 140psi
>
> n.b. I have an el-cheapo compression tester so I can only estimate to
> the nearest 25psi or so on it.  The manual says the compression should
> be 160-232psi new, with a wear limit of 131psi.  Before I did this job I
> was getting 130-140psi on all cylinders, so I'm thinking that this isn't
> the problem, though the 150psi on the middle cylinder in both banks is a
> bit weird.
>
> Tomorrow I'm going to look around a bit more, and check to see if any
> codes are stored, but if anyone has any tips I'd really appreciate them
> because I do need to spend tomorrow moving instead of trying to get my
> car to start.
>
> Thanks again,
> --
> Elliott